My Diary From Here to There

Written by Amanda Irma Perez
Illustrations by Maya Christina Gonzalez
Published 2002 Children's Book Press, San Francisco, CA
Written in English/Spanish

This book tells the story of a family's move from Juarez, Mexico to Los Angeles, California.  The story is told from the viewpoint of the daughter, Amanda, who writes in her journal each day. Her Papa' has lost his job and the family packs only what will fit in the car. They sell all of their other possessions.

Amanda is sad to be leaving her best friend, Micha. Her father tells her not to worry about moving, that everything will be okay, but Amanda doubts this is true. The family goes to stay with family members in Mexicali while Papa' looks for a job in Los Angeles; first with Tia' Tuca, then Amanda's grandparents, then with Tia' Lupe. Amanda's brothers are noisy and mischevious so they can never stay long in one house. Her father writes home and says he has found a job picking strawberries. He eventually sends green cards for the rest of the family. Amanda's extended family has a farewell dinner and her grandmother gives her a new journal. She tells Amanda, "Never forget who you are and where you are from. Keep your language and your culture alive in your diary and in your heart."

 Once the family is settled in California, Amanda writes Michi and tells her Papa' has found a factory job and they live in a creaky old house in El Monte, California, where the roar of airplanes and freight trains are like earthquakes, shaking the house.

Amanda finally finds a place where she can sit and think and write. She discovers that just because she is far away from her family and Michi, it doesn't mean they are not with her. She decides they are in her journal and the language she speaks, in her memories and her heart. She decides that her Papa' was right. She is stronger than she thought she was--in Mexico, in the states, anywhere she goes.

Very good book for children who are dealing with moving to another place, or another country. The author is a bilingual teacher whose family left Mexico for the U.S. when she was five years old.  She understands the transitions and heartache that take place. The book is upbeat and positive. The illustrations are colorful. Recommended for grades 1-5.